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How do we know the world is warming?An interactive presentation about climate from NOAA
Instructions:
In Slide Show mode, go to slide #2 and click any label to jump to a slide of additional information
• Return to the main slide by clicking “Back”
• Click “Data” to see a graph of datasets that support each statement
• If you have Internet access available, click “Interactive Version” to launch a browser and explore the data Slide #2
How do we know the world is warming?
Temperature of the Lower Atmosphere
Snow
HumidityAir Temperature over Ocean
Arctic Sea Ice
Sea Surface Temperature
Ocean Heat Content Global
Sea Level
Air Temperature over Land
Glaciers
In Slide Show mode, click any label for information
Credits and data sources
What can we
do?
Measurements from satellites and weather balloons show that the lowest layer of the atmosphere—where we live, airplanes fly, and weather occurs—is warming. Greenhouse gases are building up in this layer, trapping heat radiated from Earth's surface and raising the planet's temperature.
Temperature of the Lower Atmosphere
BackData
Back to Main Slide
Back to Explanatio
n
If you have Internet access
• Explore titles, authors, and publishing information for the studies that produced each dataset• Access data
directly by clicking dataset names
Interactive Version of
Graph
Datasets
Measurements over land and water show more water vapor in the air. The air feels stickier when it’s hot, and air conditioners have to work harder for us to feel comfortable.
Humidity
BackData
Back to Main Slide
Back to Explanatio
n
If you have Internet access
• Explore titles, authors, and publishing information for the studies that produced each dataset• Access data
directly by clicking dataset names
Interactive Version of
Graph
Datasets
Thermometers on ships and floating buoys show that air near the ocean’s surface is getting warmer, increasing its ability to evaporate water. In turn, we see an increase in heavy precipitation events and flooding on land.
Air Temperature over Ocean
BackData
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Back to Explanatio
n
If you have Internet access
• Explore titles, authors, and publishing information for the studies that produced each dataset• Access data
directly by clicking dataset names
Interactive Version of
Graph
Datasets
Satellites and weather stations on land show that average air temperature at the surface is going up.
Consequently, we see an increase in the number of heat wave events and the area affected by drought.
Air Temperature over Land
This sign in Paris gave a phone number people could call to find out if their loved ones were among the victims who died during a heat wave there in 2003.
BackData
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Back to Explanatio
n
If you have Internet access
• Explore titles, authors, and publishing information for the studies that produced each dataset• Access data
directly by clicking dataset names
Interactive Version of
Graph
Datasets
Temperature sensors on buoys and in “floats” that move up and down through the ocean show an increase in the heat energy stored in the top half-mile of ocean water.
Warming causes water to expand, raising global sea level. Higher water temperatures can also affect marine ecosystems, disrupting fisheries and the people who depend upon them.
Ocean Heat Content
BackData
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Back to Explanatio
n
If you have Internet access
• Explore titles, authors, and publishing information for the studies that produced each dataset• Access data
directly by clicking dataset names
Interactive Version of
Graph
Datasets
Historical paintings, photographs, and other long-term records show that most mountain glaciers are melting away.
People who depend on water from melting glaciers for their living needs, crops, and livestock are facing potential shortages.
Glaciers
1941
2004 BackData
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n
If you have Internet access
• Explore titles, authors, and publishing information for the studies that produced each dataset• Access data
directly by clicking dataset names
Interactive Version of
Graph
Datasets
Back
Satellite images show that the area of land covered by snow during spring in the Northern Hemisphere is getting smaller.
Snow is melting earlier, changing when and how much water is available for nature and people.
Snow
Data
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n
If you have Internet access
• Explore titles, authors, and publishing information for the studies that produced each dataset• Access data
directly by clicking dataset names
Interactive Version of
Graph
Datasets
Tide gauges and satellites that measure the distance from their orbit to the ocean’s surface both show that global sea level is getting higher.
Rising waters threaten ecosystems, freshwater supplies, and human developments along coasts.
Global Sea Level
Current Sea Level
Future Sea Level (simulated) Back
Mean Sea Level Trend – Charleston, South Carolina
3.15 mm/yr +/- 0.25 mm/yr
Data
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n
If you have Internet access
• Explore titles, authors, and publishing information for the studies that produced each dataset• Access data
directly by clicking dataset names
Interactive Version of
Graph
Datasets
Satellite sensors and thermometers on ships and buoys show that the temperature of water at the ocean’s surface is rising.
Warm surface waters can damage coral reefs, reducing opportunities for fishing and tourism, and leave coasts vulnerable to storm surges and erosion.
Sea Surface Temperature
BackData
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n
If you have Internet access
• Explore titles, authors, and publishing information for the studies that produced each dataset• Access data
directly by clicking dataset names
Interactive Version of
Graph
Datasets
Satellite images show that the area covered by sea ice in the Arctic is getting smaller.
While a decrease in sea ice may open new shipping routes and provide easier access to natural resources, it may also introduce concerns related to national security and invasive species.
Arctic Sea Ice
September 1979
September 2003 BackData
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n
If you have Internet access
• Explore titles, authors, and publishing information for the studies that produced each dataset• Access data
directly by clicking dataset names
Interactive Version of
Graph
Datasets
Click image for examplesClick graph for examplesBack
(also called Preparedness)
Taking action to minimize vulnerability to climate change impacts can smooth our transition to a warmer world
AdaptationReducing greenhouse gas emissions or removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can lessen the severity of climate change impacts
Mitigation
Reducing increase of atmospheric CO2
Coping with new
conditions
time
carb
on d
ioxi
de
Back One Slide
Mitigation – Reducing CO2
• Develop new habits to eliminate wasted energy
• Switch to carbon-free energy sources such as solar and wind
• Plant new trees to increase the amount of CO2 taken up by forests
Adaptation – Anticipating and adjusting to new conditions
• Protect habitat or structures threatened by sea level rise
• Develop plans to ensure adequate water supplies
• Plant different crops
• Develop new businesses
What changes are coming?
What changes do we need to
make?
Back One SlideAssessing a region’s ability to handle runoff from heavier precipitation
Sources:
How do we know the world has warmed? by J. J. Kennedy, P. W. Thorne, T. C. Peterson, R. A. Ruedy, P. A. Stott, D. E. Parker, S. A. Good, H. A. Titchner, and K. M. Willett, 2010: [in "State of the Climate in 2009"]. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 91 (7), S79-106.
Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, U.S. Global Change Research Program. Thomas R. Karl, Jerry M. Melillo, and Thomas C. Peterson, (eds.). Cambridge University Press, 2009.
Interactive PowerPoint Presentation prepared by NOAA Climate Program Office. Science review by Derek Arndt, National Climatic Data Center. Credits for images appear in the Notes section of each slide.All comparative statements in the presentation refer to trends measured over a minimum of 30 years.
For additional information, visit Climate.govEducators are free to share this file in electronic or print form.
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